Tesamorelin (Egrifta SV)
GHRH Analog · Visceral Fat Reduction
Overview
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog designed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy treatment. It provides selective visceral fat targeting with 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials while preserving subcutaneous fat.
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation, selectively targeting visceral adipose tissue while sparing subcutaneous fat.
FDA-approved indication showing 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials.
Unique mechanism that reduces dangerous visceral fat while sparing subcutaneous fat.
Maintained weight loss with continuous treatment over 52+ weeks in clinical studies.
12.3% reduction in triglyceride levels.
Mechanism
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog designed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy treatment. It provides selective visceral fat targeting with 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials while preserving subcutaneous fat.
Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation, selectively targeting visceral adipose tissue while sparing subcutaneous fat.
FDA-approved indication showing 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials.
Research areas
- Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog designed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy treatment. It provides selective visceral fat targeting with 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials while preserving subcutaneous fat.
- Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation, selectively targeting visceral adipose tissue while sparing subcutaneous fat.
- FDA-approved indication showing 15-20% visceral fat reduction in clinical trials.
- Unique mechanism that reduces dangerous visceral fat while sparing subcutaneous fat.
- Maintained weight loss with continuous treatment over 52+ weeks in clinical studies.
- 12.3% reduction in triglyceride levels.
- 7.2% improvement in cholesterol markers.
- 37% liver fat reduction over 12 months.
- Preserves lean muscle mass during fat loss.
- 26% increase in IGF-1 levels.
Research notes
- Injection site reactions (17%)
- Joint pain (13%)
- Water retention
- Development of diabetes or severe glucose intolerance (HbA1c ≥6.5%)
- Signs of malignancy
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
- Excessive IGF-1 elevation (>2 SD above normal) with acromegaly symptoms
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary disorders
- Pregnancy
- Cognitive improvement isn't a primary effect, but a Phase 2 trial in 152 older adults (55-87 years) showed favorable effects on cognition, particularly executive function (P=0.005), with 117% IGF-1 increases. This suggests potential anti-aging brain benefits, though larger trials are needed for confirmation.
Reported effects in literature
- Yes, tesamorelin carries a documented 3.3-fold increased diabetes risk compared to placebo. Close glucose monitoring is essential, especially in pre-diabetic patients. Metformin co-treatment may mitigate this risk, and diabetics require careful medication adjustment.
Pharmacokinetics
- Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation, selectively targeting visceral adipose tissue while sparing subcutaneous fat.
AXIOM catalogue
Tesamorelin — research-use catalogue record with strengths and available batch details where listed.
References
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18057338/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22869065/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20101189/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31611038/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41545261/
FAQs
Does tesamorelin specifically target visceral fat or does it reduce overall body fat?
Tesamorelin uniquely targets visceral (deep abdominal) fat while sparing subcutaneous fat. This selective mechanism makes it FDA-approved specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy - the visceral fat reduction of 15-20% occurs without proportional subcutaneous fat loss, improving metabolic health and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Why use tesamorelin over semaglutide for visceral fat loss?
Tesamorelin uniquely spares subcutaneous fat while targeting visceral fat, making it better for patients wanting to preserve healthy fat deposits. Semaglutide causes general weight loss across all fat depots. Choose tesamorelin for selective visceral fat reduction in metabolically healthy individuals; semaglutide for comprehensive weight loss.